Germany, NSKK. A Model 1933 Service Dagger, by Carl Eickhorn

(Nationalsozialistisches Kraftfahrkorps Dienstdolch M33). A well-preserved Nationalsozialistisches Kraftfahrkorps (National Socialist Motor Corps/NSKK) Model 1933 Service Dagger, measuring 27 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 22 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and edges. Acid-etched onto the obverse of the blade is an inscription of “ALLES FÜR DEUTSCHLAND” (“EVERYTHING FOR GERMANY”) in Fraktur script. The reverse ricasso bears a transitional maker’s mark in the form of the logo of Carl Eickhorn, Solingen, topped by a Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) logo with a code of “M7/66” for the same manufacturer, above a date of “1939”. The blade sits securely within a nickel-plated alloy upper crossguard which is marked with eight notches, distributed in groups of four at both the top and bottom. The handle grip is composed of a single piece of lacquered dark brown wood, carved into a curvature for a comfortable grip. Inset into the obverse of the handle is a silvered German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, measuring 25 mm (w) x 15 mm (h). Also inset into the obverse pommel is a partially-silvered Sturmabteilung (SA) insignia measuring 9 mm in diameter. The dagger completes with a nickel-plated lower crossguard, similarly marked with eight notches, retaining a rounded pommel nut which screws in to securely maintain the dagger’s structural integrity. It is accompanied by its original scabbard, constructed of a black-painted magnetic metal shaft with metal fixtures riveted to both the tip and throat. The latter retains a loop for the accommodation of a hanger, itself consistent of a blackened leather strap adjusted with a functional metal buckle and culminating in a functional metal spring clip to lock onto a uniform. The throat also retains a functional spring catch to firmly hold the dagger in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include running marks and minor tarnishing to the blade, some bubbling and loss of finish to the nickel plating of the applicable fixtures, a chip to the handle grip near the obverse pommel, loss of scabbard paint, and fatigue to the leather hanger. The dagger is a transitional example which remains in a very fine condition.